Regina schools get passing safety grade

The Regina public and Catholic school divisions have both received a pat on the back when it comes to student safety.

Like the report card of all but the most fastidious student, though, the provincial auditor’s report noted some room for improvement when it comes to emergency training for staff, developing safety signage and manuals, and formulating requirements for air testing during construction.

Provincial auditor Bonnie Lysyk said the review of student safety wasn’t in response to any particular incidents in the city, but is more of an acknowledgment that it’s an area of importance to all schools in the province.

The hope is that other divisions will pick up on the approach to safety here in Regina, and apply them to their own schools.

Lysyk wrote that both Regina divisions have done a good job of developing and communicating emergency plans when it comes to things like fire evacuations and bomb threats.

She said they are also using appropriate systems to maintain school premises. The public division has a computerized system, for example, and the Catholic division is looking to follow suit.

The role played by staff was also given a thumbs up.

“In our interviews with principals, it was clear that all principals understood they have an important oversight role regarding student safety,” Lysyk wrote.

“The principals expect teachers and staff to work together, using their expertise, to keep students safe.”